Striated Muscle Antibodies – Referral
Code:
STM
Sample Type:
2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube)
Ref Ranges/Units:
Positive or Negative
Normal result = Negative
Turnaround:
2-3 weeks
Frequency of Analysis: Referred to Sheffield Hospital, sent every day except Friday
Special Precautions/Comments:
Method: Referred to Sheffield Hospital, sent every day except Friday
Interferences: None known
Interpretation: Results are reported as either NEGATIVE or POSITIVE.
Additional Information:
Indication: Myaesthenia Gravis (MG), Thymoma.
Background Information: Skeletal muscle antibodies can be seen in patients with MG, particularly in those with thymoma [1]. They may predict an unsatisfactory outcome after thymectomy and if negative can exclude thymoma [1]. A striational pattern (ladder effect along the fibrils) is seen on both cardiac and skeletal muscle but sometimes seen more prominently in skeletal muscle than cardiac muscle. There are a variety of antigen targets, particularly the muscle proteins titin and ryanodine receptor [1].
References: Gilhus NE. Autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Expert Rev Neurother. 2009. 9(3):351-358. Romi F, et al. Striational antibodies in myasthenia gravis: reactivity and possible clinical significance. Arch Neurol. 2005. 62(3):442-446. [Ref 1] Vincent A, et al. Antibodies in myasthenia gravis and related disorders. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003. 998:324-325
See Also: Cardiac muscle
Telephone Gateshead Lab: 0191.4456499 Option 4, Option 1